Who Invited the Ghost to Dinner: A Ghost Writer Mystery by Teresa Watson Read Free Book Online Page B

said, grabbing my arm and pulling me to my feet. “Susan is on the phone with the caterer, who is threatening to quit. The florist refuses to redo the centerpieces, and the waiters just walked out. It’s an unmitigated disaster.”
    I looked over at Mac and Lillian as Mother dragged me out of the room. Mac looked amused, but Lillian looked rather sad. In the blink of an eye, she disappeared.
    When I went into the kitchen, I saw a woman standing at the island in the center of the room, drumming her fingers on the marble countertop. “Frankly, Ms. Mitchell, if that is your attitude, then I don’t think you’re the right person for this job.”
    Mother gasped. “Susan, don’t you dare fire her!”
    Susan ignored Mother. “Yes, I’m quite aware of the time and money you have put into this dinner. However, I do not feel that your food is up to par with our current needs. There are very important people coming, and they deserve the very best. You can’t expect me to serve a Broadway director brisket and catfish. That would be an insult.”
    “A Broadway director?” Mother said, looking at me. “What is she talking about?”
    “Stephen Showalter is coming to see the play tomorrow night.”
    “You’re kidding! How do you know?”
    “I just found out a few minutes ago.”
    “Either change the menu, or we’ll find ourselves another caterer, Ms. Mitchell,” Susan said.
    I reached over and grabbed the phone out of Susan’s hand. “Cecilia? Cam Shaw. How are you? Well, I heard part of the conversation,” I said, looking at Susan, who was shooting daggers at me. “No, she is right about an important director coming tomorrow night. However, he is going to eat what we’ve already agreed to. If we had been informed before tonight about this, I’m sure we could have worked something out. I don’t care what Mrs. Ingram told you. She is not the one in charge; Mother is. Who is your contract with, Mother or Susan Ingram? Exactly. Therefore, we will honor our agreement. I’ve always enjoyed every dinner you have catered, and I’m sure our distinguished guest will be just as impressed with your food as we are. Could you do me one favor? Talk to the wait staff and ask them to come back. I guarantee there will be no more problems with Mrs. Ingram. That’s great, Cecilia. I look forward to tomorrow night. Give my love to Henry and the twins. Good night.”
    “How dare you?” Susan said angrily after I hung up. “You have no right to come in here…”
    “No, ma’am, you are the one who is out of line,” I cut her off. “When the planning began for this event four months ago, Mother did everything but beg you to join the committee. You repeatedly turned her down, claiming that this was beneath you. After all, it’s just a tiny community theatre. Much too insignificant for you to bother yourself with.”
    Susan glared at me, and even Mother shot me a warning look, but I ignored her.
    “I don’t know how you found out that Mr. Showalter was coming, although I can guess,” I continued. “Suddenly, this has become a big deal to you. A chance for you to shine, and perhaps even make an important connection in New York. Am I correct?”
    She didn’t say anything.
    “That’s what I thought. I’m sorry, Mrs. Ingram, but Mother and the rest of the committee members have worked very hard to make this a successful event, and they have done an outstanding job. We’re not going to change one single thing just to impress someone none of us will ever see again after tomorrow night. You’ll have to find another stepping stone into New York society.”
    Susan looked at Mother. “Charlotte, I think we need to reconsider this. Mr. Showalter is a very important person. We can’t…”
    “He’s not important to anyone here in Waxahachie, Susan,” Mother said. “He’s going to see us just as we are, warts and all. I’m sorry you won’t be able to join us for the show.”
    “What do you mean? Of course I’ll be